Memorial for Covid-19 victims: Should be built in harmony with urban green space

The fact that Ho Chi Minh City plans to dedicate the 'golden land' at No. 1 Ly Thai To (Vuon Lai Ward, old District 10) to build a memorial for Covid-19 victims has received a lot of support from the people. According to Thanh Nien, many opinions said that the project should be designed in harmony between the memorial space and urban green space.

The Covid-19 pandemic is a special milestone, deeply engraved in the memory of every Vietnamese person. It was a time when the whole country had to face unprecedented losses when many people passed away forever, when the once bustling streets suddenly became heartbreakingly silent. But in the midst of those fierce days, the spirit of solidarity and humanity of the Vietnamese people was aroused more strongly than ever. From frontline doctors and nurses to volunteers, people silently sharing meals, gifts..., all created a "defense line" of human love.

Therefore, the policy of Ho Chi Minh City to reserve a "golden land" area of ​​4.3 hectares at No. 1 Ly Thai To (Vuon Lai Ward) to build a park and memorial for Covid-19 victims has received much support from the people.

The symbolic project to overcome the Covid-19 pandemic is expected to be located at land plot No. 1 Ly Thai To, Vuon Lai ward, Ho Chi Minh City.

Photo: NHAT THINH

Covid-19 Victims Memorial: A Place to Preserve Memories and Remind the Spirit of Resilience

Many people believe that building a memorial for those who died in the Covid-19 pandemic is a humane act, demonstrating the tradition of "remembering the source of water when drinking" and the spirit of sharing of the nation. A memorial space in the heart of the city will be a cultural highlight, a place to preserve memories and remind the resilient and compassionate spirit of the Vietnamese people during difficult years.

Tran Minh Anh, a student at Nguyen Tat Thanh University, born and raised in Ho Chi Minh City (living on Ly Thai To Street, Vuon Lai Ward), shared: "During the pandemic, I witnessed many losses in the city. Therefore, as a resident of Ho Chi Minh City and also a Vietnamese, I strongly support the project. The memorial not only reminds us of a painful milestone but also honors the dedication of doctors and nurses, frontline workers during the pandemic. For families whose loved ones died from Covid-19, this will also be a spiritual comfort and consolation, helping them feel shared and properly remembered."

Meanwhile, NXL reader living on Ly Thai To Street, Vuon Lai Ward believes that the establishment of a memorial at this location not only has architectural and landscape value but also has community education significance. This will be a place to remind people of the spirit of national solidarity in times of trouble, and at the same time a stop for people and tourists to contemplate, remember and show gratitude to those who have sacrificed and contributed in the fight against the pandemic.

"The entire area should not be used to build large monuments. The memorial area should be combined with a green park, both meeting the needs of daily life and preserving the value of gratitude," said Ms. NXL. This person believes that the central area of ​​Ho Chi Minh City currently lacks green space, while the population density is increasing, so a park combined with a memorial area will bring practical and long-term value. Combining memorial elements with green spaces, community living areas, and open exhibition areas will help this space become a new "green lung", and at the same time a cultural address bearing the mark of the times.

As for Mr. NVQ, who lives on Do Muoi Street, An Phu Dong Ward, he also suggested that the city should carefully consider the scale and design of the project. For Mr. NVQ, the memorial should be solemn and delicate, perhaps just with a stele or a symbolic work of art, instead of building a massive monument. There should be a walking path, a gym, a children's playground or a small exhibition space about pandemic memories, both intimate and reminiscent.

"We hope that this place is not simply a place to recall painful losses but also a place to remember and add positive energy to the community," he said. According to him, combining a memorial space with a modern, convenient park will help the city not only pay tribute to the past but also send a message about the revival and enduring vitality of the people of Saigon - Ho Chi Minh City during difficult years.

More than 3 years after the pandemic ended, the pain has gradually subsided but the memories remain. Many people believe that the memorial at this time not only has the meaning of gratitude, but also directs the community to the spirit of revival, reminding everyone to cherish life, share and unite more.

Ho Chi Minh City invites people to contribute ideas for the project

Information from the Department of Culture and Sports of Ho Chi Minh City said that from now until November 15, it will welcome ideas for a symbolic project to recognize the solidarity and unity of Ho Chi Minh City people in overcoming the Covid-19 pandemic at land plot No. 1 Ly Thai To, Vuon Lai Ward (old District 10), Ho Chi Minh City.

Gathering public opinion nationwide is one of the instructions of Ho Chi Minh City Party Secretary Tran Luu Quang on the construction of a park and memorial for victims of Covid-19 on the above land.

Ideas for symbolic works to overcome the Covid-19 pandemic should be sent to the Department of Culture and Sports via email svhtt@tphcm.gov.vn , in person or by post at 164 Dong Khoi, Saigon Ward (old District 1), Ho Chi Minh City.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/dai-tuong-niem-nan-nhan-covid-19-nen-xay-dung-hai-hoa-voi-mang-xanh-do-thi-185251107162056492.htm